Have you seen this message when installing SolidWorks 2018? With each major release it’s important to check the system requirements before installing.

Windows 7 is currently the most popular operating system, with about 68% of PCs worldwide using this OS! But did you know it’s currently past “mainstream” support? As a Windows program, SolidWorks will discontinue support for that operating system, so as you’re choosing new systems keep that in mind!

From the Windows website:

*Support for Windows 7 pre-service pack 1 ended on April 9, 2013. Be sure to install Windows 7 Service Pack 1 to continue to receive support and updates.

So what does this mean to SolidWorks users? Customers running 8.1 should plan on migrating to Windows 10 to install SOLIDWORKS 2019 or newer. Windows 7 will need to migrate if installing SolidWorks 2021 or newer.

Since joining Unitec in 2012, Steve has taken on the roles of SolidWorks training, onsite technical support and software upgrades, and creating written and video blogs to enhance the CAD experience for everyone. Steve’s goal is to help clients “bridge the gap” in understanding technology. He enjoys teaching clients to apply products in new ways that can help their careers moving forward.